In 2014 when India was the first nation to reach Mars in the first attempt under the Mangalyaan mission. September 2014 was historic for India’s space research under Prime Minister Modi. India’s ISRO was the fourth space agency to reach Mars with Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter) after Roscosmos (Russia), NASA (USA) and the European Space Agency (22 European member states).

The most interesting part of this mission was that it was the most cost-efficient Mars-craft. It was made possible at the cost of approximately Rs 450 crore. India had even left China behind in this feat because China and Japan were unsuccessful in their Mars mission.

Following that, the New York Times published a cartoon which was criticised on social media as well as in various Indian publications.

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NY Times cartoon after India’s Mangalyaan

But the New York Times’ could not hide its elitism behind the cartoon. In the cartoon, a bare-footed man wearing dhoti, turban and holding a buffalo next to him is seen knocking on the doors of ‘Elite Space Club’. Perhaps New York Times wanted to remind us of our past when India was ruled by the British and the racism against India was at its peak.

Newspapers condemned the cartoon because not only was it an elitist dig, it was also quite racist.

Today, while addressing the nation, Prime Minister Modi announced successful testing of anti-satellite (ASAT) missile and congratulated the team of scientists and everyone from DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). India has achieved one more feat in space and in defence, Mission Shakti. With this, India is the fourth most powerful country after US, China and Russia.

Prime Minister Modi sent out a strong message to the world countries and showed the strength without breaking any international laws.

On the other hand, the opposition is still completely in awe of the dynasty. Congress immediately credited Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s grandmother Indira Gandhi and great grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru.

.@DRDO_India set up in 1958 under Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru was the first govt. agency to begin defence research & development. It has played a pivotal role in equipping our defence forces with the latest technological developments.

By this, Congress is trying to show how they have obliged India by staying in power for so many years. On the other hand, PM Modi has not taken any credit for the achievement. He has been forthcoming in congratulating the DRDO and ISRO for their achievement.

If you look at it, the elitist cartoon by NYTimes has a similar mentality as that of Congress. Where the ones sitting in the club are not too happy that a man with humble beginnings is now the prime minister of the world’s largest democracy. The man who calls himself ‘Pradhan Sevak’ and dedicates all of his work to the nation.

The article, written by Ashish Nautiyal, was first published in Hindi. You could read it here.

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